Don't let car thieves have an easy ride

Don't let car thieves have an easy ride in cold weather, police warn

Police are warning motorists not to leave car engines running unattended as they defrost their cars during the current cold spell.

The warning comes after a report of a car, in the Bedworth area, being stolen after the owner nipped back inside to finish his cup of tea leaving his car defrosting outside on the drive.

When he returned the car had been stolen.

"This latest incident acts as a harsh reminder that there are people out and about waiting for an opportunity to steal a car which have been left with the keys in the ignition, " said PC Andy Marchi of the Northern Area Community Safety Unit.

Motorists are advised that if the car is frosted over they should clear the ice and snow from the front and rear windscreens, and also make sure they can see out of the side windows before driving the car.

But motorists should stay with their car while it is defrosting. "We appreciate that it may take a few minutes longer to get the car ready to drive on these cold mornings, but if necessary take your cup of tea out and sit in the car while it is defrosting. Remember it will cause a great deal more disruption to your day if your car is stolen and you end up having to phone work to say you will be late, also arrange to get a replacement car," added PC Marchi.

Police advice to motorists is to put the car in the garage overnight if you have one, alternatively stock up on de-icing materials in readiness for the cold weather and to put a cover over the windscreen overnight to protect the windscreen from snow and ice.

And police add the cautionary note that motorists should also be aware that many car insurance policies become void, or at least the cover is reduced, is a car is stolen as a result of the keys being left in the ignition.